Blink Dog
- Size: Medium
- Type: Fey
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- AC: 13
- Initiative: +3 (13)
- HP: 22 (4d8 + 4)
- Speed: 40 ft
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Dex | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| Con | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| INT | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Wis | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 11 | +0 | +0 |
- Skills: Perception +5 , Stealth +5
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 15
- Languages: Blink Dog; understands Elvish and Sylvan but can't speak them
- CR: 1/4 (XP 50; PB +2 )
Actions
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +5 , reach 5 ft . Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) Piercing damage.
Bonus Actions
Teleport (Recharge 4-6). The dog teleports up to 40 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.
Lore & Background
Blink dogs are intelligent, pack-hunting canines with the supernatural ability to teleport short distances at will. These creatures resemble large domestic dogs but possess a keen intelligence and natural magical abilities that set them apart from their mundane cousins. They are inherently good-natured creatures that often serve as protectors of the innocent and enemies of evil.
These magical beasts originated in areas where the boundary between the Material Plane and other dimensions is thin, developing their teleportation abilities as a natural adaptation. They form tight-knit packs with complex social structures based on intelligence and magical prowess rather than simple physical dominance.
Blink dogs are natural enemies of displacer beasts, engaging in an ancient conflict that spans generations. This rivalry has shaped both species' development and tactical approaches, creating a supernatural arms race of mobility and deception techniques.
Combat Tactics
Blink dogs excel at hit-and-run tactics, using their teleportation ability to appear next to enemies, attack, and vanish before retaliation is possible. They coordinate their attacks with pack members, often teleporting to flank enemies or rescue endangered allies.
The pack uses their teleportation strategically, with some members drawing enemy attention while others position for surprise attacks. They prefer to attack evil creatures and will go out of their way to protect good-aligned beings, even at personal risk.
When facing superior numbers or particularly dangerous foes, blink dogs will use their mobility to conduct a fighting withdrawal, teleporting to safety while harassing enemies with quick strikes.
Encounter Ideas
The Mysterious Guardians: Blink dogs have been protecting a village from bandits, appearing to help travelers and disappearing before anyone can thank them properly.
The Pack's Plea: A blink dog pack seeks the party's help in rescuing captured members from displacer beasts or other evil creatures.
The Dimensional Rift: A tear in reality has brought blink dogs to the area, and they need assistance adapting to their new environment while dealing with local threats.
The Ancient Alliance: The party discovers an old pact between a kingdom and a blink dog pack, with obligations that still need to be honored on both sides.
Environmental Effects
Blink dog presence creates subtle environmental changes:
- Dimensional Instability: Areas frequently used by blink dogs may show minor dimensional fluctuations
- Protective Aura: Good-aligned creatures feel subtly safer in areas patrolled by blink dogs
- Tracking Difficulties: The dogs' teleportation makes conventional tracking nearly impossible
- Magical Resonance: Sensitive individuals may detect the lingering magical energy from frequent teleportations
Treasure
Pack Tokens: Items that identify the bearer as a friend to the pack, potentially providing future assistance or safe passage.
Dimensional Fragments: Small crystals or stones charged with teleportation energy, useful for magical research or enchanting.
Protected Caches: Blink dogs sometimes guard treasures for good-aligned allies, keeping them safe with their mobility and loyalty.
Magical Collars: Occasionally, blink dogs wear magical collars or other items that enhance their abilities or provide protection.
Plot Hooks
The Vanishing Act: People and objects have been disappearing in an area patrolled by blink dogs, leading to misunderstandings about the dogs' intentions when they're actually fighting an invisible threat.
The Planar Messenger: A blink dog carries an urgent message from another plane, but its limited ability to communicate creates confusion about the nature of the threat.
The Pack War: The ancient conflict between blink dogs and displacer beasts has escalated, threatening to spill over into civilized areas and endanger innocent bystanders.
The Loyalty Test: A blink dog pack's loyalty to ancient allies puts them in conflict with current authorities, forcing the party to navigate complex moral and political issues.